Individuals seeking either appointment or election to judicial office, including municipal and district courts, superior court, courts of appeal and the Washington Supreme Court. We are a statewide organization and issue ratings for all judicial offices throughout the State.

What Our Ratings Mean

We do not endorse candidates for judicial office. Candidates may be rated exceptionally well qualified (EWQ), well qualified(WQ), qualified(Q), or not qualified (NQ) based on various factors, including but not limited to, the candidate’s integrity, fairness, legal ability, judicial temperament, diligence, community service, and demonstrated commitment to equal justice.

QLaw strives to administer the judicial evaluation rating process in a uniform, fair, and consistent manner. The evaluation process remains the same regardless of the candidate or applicant. Candidates or applicants are not rated in comparison to other candidates or applicants. The rating is valid for three years.

You will be contacted by the Chair or Vice-Chair to schedule an interview. Interviews are typically held within six to eight weeks of receipt of the materials. Interviews occur on weeknights or Saturday mornings.

Candidates/applicants are strongly encouraged to seek ratings well in advance of an appointment or election deadline to ensure timeliness. Applicants for appointment should request a rating and provide all required materials a minimum of 30 days before the deadline for submission of the rating to the Governor's Office of General Counsel.